Garland Video Production Playbook
Garland video production has rarely enjoyed a set-up this convenient: two free, high-profile movie events fall within a single work-week, and the city’s hands-off permit policy means you can roll cameras with minimal red tape.
Permit & policy quick scan
- Special-event portal – No application fee; submit 45 days in advance if requesting closures or city staff.
- Small crews / doc shoots – Simply e-mail the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts location-use agreement; most public-space filming is free if it doesn’t block access
- Film Friendly training – Garland staff are taking the Texas Film Commission’s workshops, a required step toward full certification and statewide marketing support
What’s rolling this fortnight
- Oct 21 – “Bahala Na” premiere & Q&A (Plaza Theatre)
- Oct 23 – 50th-anniversary Rocky Horror carnival & screening (Downtown Square / Plaza Theatre)
Both events are free to the public, making it easy to fill seats—or background shots—without paying extras.
Title & influence on production
Community Screens, Community Stories
Garland’s Cultural Arts division leans into representation by showcasing Bahala Na, a Filipino-Texan family drama premiering on Oct 21. For producers, that’s a rare chance to capture authentic diaspora voices against the art-deco interior of the Plaza Theatre. The screening also hosts the Asian Film Festival of Dallas’ executive director as moderator, adding regional industry gravitas perfect for networking.
Two nights later, the Downtown Business Association turns the same theatre and square into a retro circus for Rocky Horror’s golden jubilee. Live jazz warms up the crowd at 6:30 p.m., followed by sideshow performers on the lawn and a prop-bag-ready screening at 7:30 p.m. The carnival setup provides dramatic lighting, roaming cosplayers and branded backdrops—ideal for social-spot promos or music-video inserts.
Logistics & low-cost B-roll
- Lighting on the Plaza – String bulbs and circus spots meter about ƒ/2.8, ISO 640 at 1/50 s.
- Historic interior access – Plaza Theatre grants stage-front tripod space if crews e-mail 72 hours ahead (per the location-use form)
- Insurance tip – City needs $1 M COI naming “City of Garland — Risk Management” as additionally insured, attached as PDF to the online form
Beyond the fortnight
Garland’s arts calendar remains busy: the throwback film series returns Nov 13 with Gremlins open-captioned, and the “It Came From Texas” genre festival already dropped 2026 dates, ensuring a steady pipeline for crews lining up spring work. Meanwhile, the Texas Cultural Arts Commission named the Bankhead Cultural Arts District a certified corridor last year, further boosting Garland’s creative profile
Wrap-up
With free permits, two buzz-worthy screenings and Film Friendly Texas certification on the horizon, Garland gives filmmakers every reason to stay local this month. Whether you’re a student DP grabbing atmosphere, or an Garland camera crew scouting the next feature backdrop, the Plaza Theatre and Downtown Square offer a ready-made stage—no location fee required. Roll sound: the city is ready for its close-up.
